Peppy Raises $10M Series A to Expand B2B Menopause & Fertility Platform

The Rise of Digital Health Platforms for Life's Transitions

Current trends indicate that individuals facing health concerns, such as those related to menopause, fertility, pregnancy, and early parenthood, frequently initiate their search for information via search engines and social media platforms. Often, seeking advice from a medical professional is not their first step.

Peppy Secures £6.6 Million in Series A Funding

This presents a significant opportunity for startups to address this gap in support. Peppy, a B2B digital health platform specifically designed for these needs, has recently completed a £6.6 million/$10 million Series A funding round. Felix Capital led the investment, with participation from existing investors including Outward VC, Seedcamp, and Hambro Perks.

Peppy: Proactive Support Before Medical Intervention

Peppy functions as a preventative resource, offering expert guidance before individuals require a doctor's visit. The company positions itself as a “Babylon Health before you need Babylon Health,” emphasizing proactive care.

Company Origins and Focus Areas

Established in London in 2018 by Evan Harris, Max Landry, and Mridula Pore, Peppy concentrates on key life stages: menopause, fertility, pregnancy, and early parenthood.

B2B Model and Rapid Growth

Peppy operates on a business-to-business (B2B) model, integrating its services into employee health programs offered by corporate clients. This approach has enabled the startup to secure substantial employers in the U.K. and achieve a reported 20% month-on-month growth over the past year.

Notable customers include BNP Paribas, Santander, DFS, Wickes, NHS trusts, and the University of Sheffield.

Addressing a Critical Need: Menopause Support

The demand for Peppy’s services is particularly strong among women experiencing menopause, a rapidly growing demographic in the U.K. Many women report negative impacts on their work, yet are hesitant to discuss these issues with their managers. Peppy offers a solution that allows companies to address this problem and facilitate employees’ return to work.

Comprehensive Features and Support

Like other telemedicine platforms, Peppy provides access to experts through a secure mobile application. Features include instant messaging, group chats, video consultations, live events, evidence-based articles, videos, and tailored programs.

Furthermore, the platform fosters a community where users can connect with others facing similar challenges.

Founder Insights: The Changing Landscape of Employee Wellbeing

Mridula Pore, Peppy’s co-founder, stated: “The pandemic has underscored the need for employers to actively support employee health and wellbeing, not just discuss it. Leading businesses are increasingly turning to us for trustworthy, personalized support delivered by experts.”

She added, “We are only beginning to explore the full potential of Peppy’s capabilities.”

Investor Perspective: A Convergence of Market Trends

Susan Lin, an investor at Felix Capital, commented: “Felix Capital has always prioritized ‘aspiration for a better life,’ and we recognize the significant potential of digital health and wellness solutions to enhance wellbeing. Peppy is positioned at the intersection of three major market trends and is poised to become a leading brand.

• Growth in targeted employee benefits
• Increased demand for convenient healthcare access
• A need for personalized solutions during critical life stages

The Problem with Traditional Healthcare Access

According to Pore, individuals currently often rely on their general practitioners (GPs) for support. While some GPs may possess specialized knowledge, many women do not receive the necessary assistance. This can lead to suffering, embarrassment, and even job loss due to “women’s problems.”

Surveys indicate that individuals may alter their work arrangements or leave their jobs altogether due to these challenges, creating a significant burden for employers.

Peppy's Solution: Accessible and Personalized Support

Pore explained: “We’ve observed a significant shift, particularly in the last two years, with companies increasingly incorporating menopause policies into manager training. However, these policies often fail to address individual needs, as individuals still rely on their GPs.”

“Peppy provides access to nurses and counselors, offering informed guidance, education on available options, and ongoing support over time, recognizing that health journeys evolve.”

Flexible Access to Experts

Pore emphasized that Peppy’s technology enables individuals to connect with experts in a way that suits their preferences. This includes access to support via various channels, such as video consultations, tailored content, and live sessions covering relevant topics.

Support can range from basic information about menopause to discussions about sexual health, all accessible at the individual’s convenience and pace.